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Mark Harris, scorer of the match-winning try in 1974 to end Eastern Suburbs' rugby league premiership drought, has died aged 72 after a long battle with cancer.

Australia's rugby league community is mourning the loss of Mark Harris, who has died at age 72 after a long battle with cancer.

Harris played a key role in the then Eastern Suburbs' 1974 premiership, scoring the match-winning try in the grand final to end a 29-year premiership drought.

The centre was the NSWRL's leading try-scorer in 1975 but missed that grand final through injury, while he played in the first World Club Challenge match which Easts, now the Sydney Roosters, won 25-2.

The Queenslander shifted to Sydney for the 1970 season and represented both NSW and Australia that year.

Harris failed to take part in the Kangaroos' 1973 tour, having pursued a career in American football that led to him joining Canadian club Montreal Alouettes, but returned to Sydney for the 1974 season.

"Very sad news. Mark was one of the most powerful attacking centres in the game for Easts in the 70's. Condolences to his family and friends," Balmain great Garry Jack posted on Twitter.

"Leaves the RL community with many great memories. RIP mate."